Why a mentoring program?
Mentorship offers a rich opportunity for growth and connection for both the mentor and the mentee. Mentor programs allow a forum for both parties to exchange ideas and experiences that will shape the perspectives of each other’s professional and personal lives. This relationship is unique, different from both supervision and therapy, and does not contribute to licensure hours or require written evaluation.
Benefits to the Mentee:
- Build relationships with Chicago School Alumni
- Focus on a specific area of study or interest
- Spend time with professionals willing to share their experiences, advice, and encouragement
- Learn real-world applications of what you are learning in the classroom
- Develop leads for internships and possible jobs
Benefits to the Mentor:
- Share your knowledge and skill with current students and/or less seasoned clinicians
- Offer valuable “real world” advice
- Share your professional network with a future colleague
- Flexibility – the relationship can take whatever form you want
- Learn what the next generation of practitioners is thinking and planning
What is expected of participants?
- In the spirit of informed consent, mentors and mentees need to clarify the parameters of their relationship. Mentors will guide and professionally direct their mentees and serve as role models. Mentors are not addressing personal problems nor providing therapy.
- Mentor and mentee will establish a regular contact schedule based on their needs and availability.
- Mentor and mentee will be asked to complete satisfaction surveys to help us monitor the success of the program.
- Mentor and mentee are asked to complete the Mentor Program Questionnaire available on line to help with selection and matching.
- The Questionnaire and follow-up are voluntary and self-governing and allow for fields to be hidden from on-line viewing—such as phone numbers—until a match is made.
